The 63-year-old man and his wife have called for security to be stepped up after a thief smashed the passenger side front window of their Vauxhall Astra car at around 1.30pm on Sunday and made off with her handbag, which had been tucked under the front seat.

"My wife, who was getting water, heard a thud and ran to the cemetery gate," said the man, who did not want to be identified.

The thief, who was young and wearing a hooded garment, then rode off on a bicycle at such a rate his wife, who is 60, was unable to catch him.

The couple have claimed on their insurance, but will lose their £50 excess, and have also had the inconvenience of stopping bank cards.

The bag also contained cash, a mobile phone and irreplacable sentimental items.

It was last year that the council was criticised for deciding to take a CCTV camera away from the cemetery and put it at the waste recycling centre in Horsleys Fields to deter fly-tipping.

West Norfolk Council cabinet member for community, Councillor David Harwood said of the latest attack: "Every incident is unfortunate, but with limited resources it is not possible to cover every area with CCTV cameras, nor would it be necessarily appropriate for us to do so.

"Resources do have to be focused on those areas of priority. We have reviewed this matter in the past and compared to other areas, this is unfortunately not a priority area.

"However, in light of this recent incident we will review the matter again."

The latest matter has been reported to police and anyone with information is asked to ring 0845 456 4567.